Ready to dive into a beautiful wilderness? Our road trip down Vancouver Island camping began just south of Port Hardy and Telegraph Cove. Two incredible provincial parks—Elk Falls Provincial Park in Campbell River and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park near Parksville/Qualicum Beach—were waiting to be explored on this sweet camping adventure. Whether you’re after epic waterfalls or sandy beach strolls, this mid-island road trip has something for everyone.
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Elk Falls Provincial Park, Campbell River
Waterfall Wonder & Forest Campsites
Named after the dramatic 25-meter plunge of Elk Falls on the Campbell River, this park delivers stunning canyon scenery and lush woodlands. It’s one of our favourite places to hike in the area – especially when local family members join us for the stroll!
The Quinsam River campground offers 122 vehicle-accessible sites, about 25 of which are riverfront. The rest are nestled under towering Douglas firs. Whether you’re in an RV or pitching a tent, you’ll feel right at home!
Things to Do at Elk Falls Provincial Park
- Hike the trails: About 6 km of paths wind through riverbanks and forests. Highlights include the scenic Canyon View Trail and the river-following Quinsam River Trail. Be sure to check out the map for an overview.
- Walk the suspension bridge: This awesome, elevated walkway spans the gorge and offers photogenic views of the falls.
- Nature spotting: Birders can delight in glimpses of Chestnut‑backed Chickadees, Dark‑eyed Juncos, and Golden‑crowned Kinglets. The Beaver Pond Trail is great for wildlife watchers. On this trip we walked the whole loop after dinner (note: it includes one short steep section climbing up on a low ridge and a short walk back along the highway).
- Fishing & hatchery tour: Gear Guru has fished the Quinsam River numerous times, making this spot perfect for salmon fishing. Add in a visit to the nearby Quinsam River Fish Hatchery. Keep in mind that wooded forests with salmon fishing and seasonal berries can also be popular with black bears – be bear aware on your adventures.
- Old-growth gems: The Millennium Trail skirts sections of ancient Douglas‑fir forest—just the ticket if you’re in need of forest Zen or have an eye for photography.
Tips for Road Trip Camping Vancouver Island at Elk Falls
- Location: Quinsam Campground is about 3 km north of Campbell River on Highway 28.
- Booking: Sites are available by reservation or on a first‑come basis—be sure to plan ahead during summer months. We didn’t reserve ahead for our stay and managed to find a site, but the campsite was completely full by the end of the evening.
- Best route info: For details, check the official BC Parks page for Elk Falls Provincial Park.
- Extra adventures: Use this campsite as a base to stay a little longer and explore further west into Strathcona Provincial Park and Gold River or take a ferry (or two) over to Quadra or Cortes Island.
Road tripping to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
Sand, Scenery & Sunset Magic
About an hour and a half south of Campbell River, Rathtrevor Beach Park stretches along sandy shores and forested uplands.
Did you know? The park is named Irish prospector William Rath, who arrived here in 1886 with his wife, Elizabeth, and baby daughter. William passed in 1903, leave Elizabeth and their 5 kids to run the farm. She eventually turned it into a campground and poetically enhanced the name by adding “Trevor”. I’m thinking Elizabeth would have done well in a marketing career had that been an option! Rathtrevor Campground became Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in 1967.
Things to Do at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
- Beach walks & sandcastles: With 5 km (3.1 mi) of sandy shoreline, low tide exposes nearly a kilometer of beach—perfect for stretching your legs and building castles or just chilling for a picnic on the beach with fam.
- Biking & strolling: Five-and-a-half kilometers (3.4 mi) of trails weave through old-growth woodland and shoreline. Most are wheelchair‑accessible, making this a truly inclusive Vancouver Island camping locale.
- Tide pooling & birdwatching: The retreating tides reveal fascinating sea life; be sure to keep an eye out for coastal birds along the shore.
- Sunset glory: Few things compare to the west-coast sunsets you can catch here. People, birds, boats and trees silhouette photogenically against the setting sun.
- Family-friendly feel: The playground and walking trails buzzed with kid-powered energy until early evening – and then it was like a switch turned off and mellow mood laughter around campfires took over. Rathtrevor is ideal for all ages seeking outdoor fun.
Camping Highlights
- 220+ vehicle-accessible campsites and 25 walk-in tent sites, all nestled in peaceful groves within easy reach of the beach.
- Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, sani-station, freshwater, and a fun adventure playground—great for kids and families.
Tips for Camping Road Trip Planning at Rathtrevor
- Location: Just south of Parksville, off Highway 19A—use Exit 51 from the Inland Island Highway.
- Booking: Summer fills quickly—reserve early! Shoulder season (spring and fall) is also recommended.
- Nearby towns: Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and Nanaimo offer restaurants, shops, and amenities.
- More info: Visit the BC Parks Rathtrevor Beach Park page for maps and updates.
Want to spend more time in the area?
Check out these posts for even more ideas of things to do mid-island!
Vancouver Island Family Adventure Time
Exploring the McLean Mill National Historic Site
Trip Essentials for a Vancouver Island Camping Road Trip
- Reserve early, camp wisely: High demand means booking both Elk Falls and Rathtrevor campsites well ahead, especially in summer.
- Layer up: Island weather can shift fast—from sunny mornings to cool, misty evenings. Pack layers and a cozy sleeping bag.
- Beach & boots: Bring shoes for beach walks and good hiking shoes for exploring trails.
- Binoculars & camera: For birdwatching at Rathtrevor and capturing scenic bridges and waterfalls at Elk Falls.
📌 Previous post in this BC Road Trip series: Fun Things to do in North Vancouver Island
📌 Next up: Camping, Culture, and Cariboo Tales: A BC Road Trip for the Curious Traveler
Why This Road Trip Wins
- Variety in one day’s drive: From thundering canyon waterfalls to sandy beach sunsets, this trip offers two distinctly different landscapes in under two hours.
- Ideal for all ages: Easy hiking, playgrounds, beach access, and scenic spots make it perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers.
- Central base: Campbell River, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach offer food, supplies, and more adventures between camp stays.
If you’re planning to add a Vancouver Island camping road trip while touring B.C., this pair of parks should be on your itinerary. Elk Falls delivers drama and forest adventure, while Rathtrevor Beach offers that postcard-perfect shoreline escape and sunsets that go on forever.
And don’t miss the round-up post outlining the entire BC road trip!
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